LITTLE EGG HARBOR - Pinelands Regional School District is facing the possibility of $7,200 in fines in the latest of a series of woes connected to a roofing project at the district's high school.

The New Jersey Office of Public Employees' Occupational Safety and Health is threatening to fine the district and accusing officials of failing to provide school janitors with training and information on asbestos, according to a letter dated Oct .11.

In a Sept. 10 letter, Epic Environmental of Newfield, Gloucester County, told school officials that asbestos debris was discovered in the high school roof, and that debris could enter the school and "cause safety hazards and air quality issues." Epic recommended that rooftop construction stop until a remedy was found. The company also advised officials to keep affected portions of the school unoccupied while rooftop construction was ongoing.

The school district is now facing pressure from parents, many of whom are furious that the senior high school remained open for classes while asbestos remained on the school property.

Most recently, woodchips in the annex playground at the high school were also found to be contaminated. The woodchips contain a type of asbestos called Chrysotile, according to an Oct. 30 report from TTI Environmental of Moorestown, Burlington County.

Chrysotile is a common type of asbestos that is linked to cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. Asbestos was used in the past to insulate buildings and make roofing shingles, ceiling and floor tiles, as well as other products, according to the cancer society.

Breathing in asbestos causes scarring in the lungs and exposure can lead to asbestos-related cancers, according to the American Cancer Society. Why is asbestos so dangerous? Watch the video above and find out.

In early October, officials closed Pinelands Regional High School after a long ceiling screw fell onto a student below.

"When they were redoing the roofing project, they sheered off the tops of the screws from the old roofing," Banks, the interim superintendent, said earlier this month in an interview with a reporter. "What has happened is they (the screws) started to fall through.”

Banks could not immediately be reached on Tuesday for comment.

The school was also closed for air quality issues after students complained of strong odors related to the ongoing roofing project.

Pinelands Regional Junior High School. Webart.(Photo: Amanda Oglesby)

District officials have since moved the high school classes into the nearby junior high school, and students in both buildings are operating on a half-day, split-shift schedule.

On Monday, parents berated school officials with angry comments and criticisms over the decision to keep the school open in September.

“Hindsight is 20/20, but at the time with the information we had we made the best decision we could," Business Administrator Stephen Brennan told the audience on Monday.

Brennan said the school was opened Sept. 7 based on an August report from Epic Environmental that determined the school was asbestos-free.

As of Monday, Banks said about 85 percent of the loose screws had been removed from the school's ceilings.

Mike Kobithen Roofing & Insulation of Churchville, Pennsylvania, was awarded more than $5 million to replace the high school's roof.

Brennan, the business administrator, said Monday the school was in contact with lawyers about who will pay for the extra expenses that have arisen during the project.

"Ideally, what I would like to do is back charge the contractor for that, whatever the cost may be, not only for the area of the playground but the area around the entire building," he said.

To avoid fines from the state Office of Public Employees' Occupational Safety and Health, Pinelands Regional must show proof by Nov. 30 that it provided janitors and custodians with an asbestos awareness course, locations of asbestos-containing material on school property, and instruction on how to respond to asbestos fiber releases. The district must also show proof of having a written hazard communication plan with training, warning procedures and safety information.

The interim superintendent told the parents on Monday that she hopes the roof project will be finished within a few weeks and that students will return to their normal schedule in their own buildings by mid-November or early December.

Because the school has already closed for five days this school year, district officials are considering cutting spring break short. The Board of Education will consider opening the school on April 5 and 6, the last two days of spring break, and on Feb. 15, 16 and 19, Banks said.

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Sandy memorial Mass at the rebuilt St. Elisabeth's Chapel in Ortley Beach, which was supposed to be followed by a ceremony on the beach at the site where Sandy did some of the worst damage on the Shore. The beach ceremony was cancelled due to the nor'easter that hit on the Fifth Anniversary of Superstorm Sandy. Short speeches were done after the service in the church instead. Some parishioner came in Halloween costume because of the upcoming holiday. Peter Ackerman

Rev. Elizabeth Ohlson, Deacon, and Rev. Douglas Eberly conduct service. Sandy memorial Mass at the rebuilt St. Elisabeth's Chapel in Ortley Beach, which was supposed to be followed by a ceremony on the beach at the site where Sandy did some of the worst damage on the Shore. The beach ceremony was cancelled due to the nor'easter that hit on the Fifth Anniversary of Superstorm Sandy. Short speeches were done after the service in the church instead. Some parishioner came in Halloween costume because of the upcoming holiday. Peter Ackerman

Cheryl and John Lane of Toms River came to church dressed in the Halloween spirit. Sandy memorial Mass at the rebuilt St. Elisabeth's Chapel in Ortley Beach, which was supposed to be followed by a ceremony on the beach at the site where Sandy did some of the worst damage on the Shore. The beach ceremony was cancelled due to the nor'easter that hit on the Fifth Anniversary of Superstorm Sandy. Short speeches were done after the service in the church instead. Some parishioner came in Halloween costume because of the upcoming holiday. Peter Ackerman

Ocean County Sheriff Michael G. Mastronardy adresses audience at Sandy memorial Mass at the rebuilt St. Elisabeth's Chapel in Ortley Beach. A ceremony on the beach at the site where Sandy did some of the worst damage on the Shore was supposed to follow but was cancelled due to the weather. The beach ceremony was cancelled due to the nor'easter that hit on the Fifth Anniversary of Superstorm Sandy. Short speeches were done after the service in the church instead. Some parishioner came in Halloween costume because of the upcoming holiday. Peter Ackerman

Veda Eleanor Cutshall is baptized as part of servcices. Sandy memorial Mass at the rebuilt St. Elisabeth's Chapel in Ortley Beach, which was supposed to be followed by a ceremony on the beach at the site where Sandy did some of the worst damage on the Shore. The beach ceremony was cancelled due to the nor'easter that hit on the Fifth Anniversary of Superstorm Sandy. Short speeches were done after the service in the church instead. Some parishioner came in Halloween costume because of the upcoming holiday. Peter Ackerman

Church Warden Dennis Bellars, Sandy memorial Mass at the rebuilt St. Elisabeth's Chapel in Ortley Beach, which was supposed to be followed by a ceremony on the beach at the site where Sandy did some of the worst damage on the Shore. The beach ceremony was cancelled due to the nor'easter that hit on the Fifth Anniversary of Superstorm Sandy. Short speeches were done after the service in the church instead. Some parishioner came in Halloween costume because of the upcoming holiday. Peter Ackerman

Firemen ring the church bell at the conclusion of the service. Sandy memorial Mass at the rebuilt St. Elisabeth's Chapel in Ortley Beach, which was supposed to be followed by a ceremony on the beach at the site where Sandy did some of the worst damage on the Shore. The beach ceremony was cancelled due to the nor'easter that hit on the Fifth Anniversary of Superstorm Sandy. Short speeches were done after the service in the church instead. Some parishioner came in Halloween costume because of the upcoming holiday. Peter Ackerman

The Church will filled to capacity for the Memorial Service. Sandy memorial Mass at the rebuilt St. Elisabeth's Chapel in Ortley Beach, which was supposed to be followed by a ceremony on the beach at the site where Sandy did some of the worst damage on the Shore. The beach ceremony was cancelled due to the nor'easter that hit on the Fifth Anniversary of Superstorm Sandy. Short speeches were done after the service in the church instead. Some parishioner came in Halloween costume because of the upcoming holiday. Peter Ackerman

Sandy memorial Mass at the rebuilt St. Elisabeth's Chapel in Ortley Beach, which was supposed to be followed by a ceremony on the beach at the site where Sandy did some of the worst damage on the Shore. The beach ceremony was cancelled due to the nor'easter that hit on the Fifth Anniversary of Superstorm Sandy. Short speeches were done after the service in the church instead. Some parishioner came in Halloween costume because of the upcoming holiday. Peter Ackerman

Sandy memorial Mass at the rebuilt St. Elisabeth's Chapel in Ortley Beach, which was supposed to be followed by a ceremony on the beach at the site where Sandy did some of the worst damage on the Shore. The beach ceremony was cancelled due to the nor'easter that hit on the Fifth Anniversary of Superstorm Sandy. Short speeches were done after the service in the church instead. Some parishioner came in Halloween costume because of the upcoming holiday. Peter Ackerman

Sandy memorial Mass at the rebuilt St. Elisabeth's Chapel in Ortley Beach, which was supposed to be followed by a ceremony on the beach at the site where Sandy did some of the worst damage on the Shore. The beach ceremony was cancelled due to the nor'easter that hit on the Fifth Anniversary of Superstorm Sandy. Short speeches were done after the service in the church instead. Some parishioner came in Halloween costume because of the upcoming holiday. Peter Ackerman

Sandy memorial Mass at the rebuilt St. Elisabeth's Chapel in Ortley Beach, which was supposed to be followed by a ceremony on the beach at the site where Sandy did some of the worst damage on the Shore. The beach ceremony was cancelled due to the nor'easter that hit on the Fifth Anniversary of Superstorm Sandy. Short speeches were done after the service in the church instead. Some parishioner came in Halloween costume because of the upcoming holiday. Peter Ackerman

Sandy memorial Mass at the rebuilt St. Elisabeth's Chapel in Ortley Beach, which was supposed to be followed by a ceremony on the beach at the site where Sandy did some of the worst damage on the Shore. The beach ceremony was cancelled due to the nor'easter that hit on the Fifth Anniversary of Superstorm Sandy. Short speeches were done after the service in the church instead. Some parishioner came in Halloween costume because of the upcoming holiday. Peter Ackerman

Sandy memorial Mass at the rebuilt St. Elisabeth's Chapel in Ortley Beach, which was supposed to be followed by a ceremony on the beach at the site where Sandy did some of the worst damage on the Shore. The beach ceremony was cancelled due to the nor'easter that hit on the Fifth Anniversary of Superstorm Sandy. Short speeches were done after the service in the church instead. Some parishioner came in Halloween costume because of the upcoming holiday. Peter Ackerman

Sandy memorial Mass at the rebuilt St. Elisabeth's Chapel in Ortley Beach, which was supposed to be followed by a ceremony on the beach at the site where Sandy did some of the worst damage on the Shore. The beach ceremony was cancelled due to the nor'easter that hit on the Fifth Anniversary of Superstorm Sandy. Short speeches were done after the service in the church instead. Some parishioner came in Halloween costume because of the upcoming holiday. Peter Ackerman

Sandy memorial Mass at the rebuilt St. Elisabeth's Chapel in Ortley Beach, which was supposed to be followed by a ceremony on the beach at the site where Sandy did some of the worst damage on the Shore. The beach ceremony was cancelled due to the nor'easter that hit on the Fifth Anniversary of Superstorm Sandy. Short speeches were done after the service in the church instead. Some parishioner came in Halloween costume because of the upcoming holiday. Peter Ackerman

Cheryl and John Lane of Toms River came to church dressed in the Halloween spirit. Sandy memorial Mass at the rebuilt St. Elisabeth's Chapel in Ortley Beach, which was supposed to be followed by a ceremony on the beach at the site where Sandy did some of the worst damage on the Shore. The beach ceremony was cancelled due to the nor'easter that hit on the Fifth Anniversary of Superstorm Sandy. Short speeches were done after the service in the church instead. Some parishioner came in Halloween costume because of the upcoming holiday. Peter Ackerman

Sandy memorial Mass at the rebuilt St. Elisabeth's Chapel in Ortley Beach, which was supposed to be followed by a ceremony on the beach at the site where Sandy did some of the worst damage on the Shore. The beach ceremony was cancelled due to the nor'easter that hit on the Fifth Anniversary of Superstorm Sandy. Short speeches were done after the service in the church instead. Some parishioner came in Halloween costume because of the upcoming holiday. Peter Ackerman

Sandy memorial Mass at the rebuilt St. Elisabeth's Chapel in Ortley Beach, which was supposed to be followed by a ceremony on the beach at the site where Sandy did some of the worst damage on the Shore. The beach ceremony was cancelled due to the nor'easter that hit on the Fifth Anniversary of Superstorm Sandy. Short speeches were done after the service in the church instead. Some parishioner came in Halloween costume because of the upcoming holiday. Peter Ackerman

Sandy memorial Mass at the rebuilt St. Elisabeth's Chapel in Ortley Beach, which was supposed to be followed by a ceremony on the beach at the site where Sandy did some of the worst damage on the Shore. The beach ceremony was cancelled due to the nor'easter that hit on the Fifth Anniversary of Superstorm Sandy. Short speeches were done after the service in the church instead. Some parishioner came in Halloween costume because of the upcoming holiday. Peter Ackerman

Treasurer and Chalice Bearer Joy KubilewiczSandy memorial Mass at the rebuilt St. Elisabeth's Chapel in Ortley Beach, which was supposed to be followed by a ceremony on the beach at the site where Sandy did some of the worst damage on the Shore. The beach ceremony was cancelled due to the nor'easter that hit on the Fifth Anniversary of Superstorm Sandy. Short speeches were done after the service in the church instead. Some parishioner came in Halloween costume because of the upcoming holiday. Peter Ackerman

Sandy memorial Mass at the rebuilt St. Elisabeth's Chapel in Ortley Beach, which was supposed to be followed by a ceremony on the beach at the site where Sandy did some of the worst damage on the Shore. The beach ceremony was cancelled due to the nor'easter that hit on the Fifth Anniversary of Superstorm Sandy. Short speeches were done after the service in the church instead. Some parishioner came in Halloween costume because of the upcoming holiday. Peter Ackerman

Sandy memorial Mass at the rebuilt St. Elisabeth's Chapel in Ortley Beach, which was supposed to be followed by a ceremony on the beach at the site where Sandy did some of the worst damage on the Shore. The beach ceremony was cancelled due to the nor'easter that hit on the Fifth Anniversary of Superstorm Sandy. Short speeches were done after the service in the church instead. Some parishioner came in Halloween costume because of the upcoming holiday. Peter Ackerman

Deacon Rev. Elizabeth Ohson pours water as they prepare for bapstisms. Sandy memorial Mass at the rebuilt St. Elisabeth's Chapel in Ortley Beach, which was supposed to be followed by a ceremony on the beach at the site where Sandy did some of the worst damage on the Shore. The beach ceremony was cancelled due to the nor'easter that hit on the Fifth Anniversary of Superstorm Sandy. Short speeches were done after the service in the church instead. Some parishioner came in Halloween costume because of the upcoming holiday. Peter Ackerman

Sandy memorial Mass at the rebuilt St. Elisabeth's Chapel in Ortley Beach, which was supposed to be followed by a ceremony on the beach at the site where Sandy did some of the worst damage on the Shore. The beach ceremony was cancelled due to the nor'easter that hit on the Fifth Anniversary of Superstorm Sandy. Short speeches were done after the service in the church instead. Some parishioner came in Halloween costume because of the upcoming holiday. Peter Ackerman

Sandy memorial Mass at the rebuilt St. Elisabeth's Chapel in Ortley Beach, which was supposed to be followed by a ceremony on the beach at the site where Sandy did some of the worst damage on the Shore. The beach ceremony was cancelled due to the nor'easter that hit on the Fifth Anniversary of Superstorm Sandy. Short speeches were done after the service in the church instead. Some parishioner came in Halloween costume because of the upcoming holiday. Peter Ackerman

Sandy memorial Mass at the rebuilt St. Elisabeth's Chapel in Ortley Beach, which was supposed to be followed by a ceremony on the beach at the site where Sandy did some of the worst damage on the Shore. The beach ceremony was cancelled due to the nor'easter that hit on the Fifth Anniversary of Superstorm Sandy. Short speeches were done after the service in the church instead. Some parishioner came in Halloween costume because of the upcoming holiday. Peter Ackerman

Sandy memorial Mass at the rebuilt St. Elisabeth's Chapel in Ortley Beach, which was supposed to be followed by a ceremony on the beach at the site where Sandy did some of the worst damage on the Shore. The beach ceremony was cancelled due to the nor'easter that hit on the Fifth Anniversary of Superstorm Sandy. Short speeches were done after the service in the church instead. Some parishioner came in Halloween costume because of the upcoming holiday. Peter Ackerman

Sandy memorial Mass at the rebuilt St. Elisabeth's Chapel in Ortley Beach, which was supposed to be followed by a ceremony on the beach at the site where Sandy did some of the worst damage on the Shore. The beach ceremony was cancelled due to the nor'easter that hit on the Fifth Anniversary of Superstorm Sandy. Short speeches were done after the service in the church instead. Some parishioner came in Halloween costume because of the upcoming holiday. Peter Ackerman

Sandy memorial Mass at the rebuilt St. Elisabeth's Chapel in Ortley Beach, which was supposed to be followed by a ceremony on the beach at the site where Sandy did some of the worst damage on the Shore. The beach ceremony was cancelled due to the nor'easter that hit on the Fifth Anniversary of Superstorm Sandy. Short speeches were done after the service in the church instead. Some parishioner came in Halloween costume because of the upcoming holiday. Peter Ackerman

Sandy memorial Mass at the rebuilt St. Elisabeth's Chapel in Ortley Beach, which was supposed to be followed by a ceremony on the beach at the site where Sandy did some of the worst damage on the Shore. The beach ceremony was cancelled due to the nor'easter that hit on the Fifth Anniversary of Superstorm Sandy. Short speeches were done after the service in the church instead. Some parishioner came in Halloween costume because of the upcoming holiday. Peter Ackerman

Sandy memorial Mass at the rebuilt St. Elisabeth's Chapel in Ortley Beach, which was supposed to be followed by a ceremony on the beach at the site where Sandy did some of the worst damage on the Shore. The beach ceremony was cancelled due to the nor'easter that hit on the Fifth Anniversary of Superstorm Sandy. Short speeches were done after the service in the church instead. Some parishioner came in Halloween costume because of the upcoming holiday. Peter Ackerman

Sandy memorial Mass at the rebuilt St. Elisabeth's Chapel in Ortley Beach, which was supposed to be followed by a ceremony on the beach at the site where Sandy did some of the worst damage on the Shore. The beach ceremony was cancelled due to the nor'easter that hit on the Fifth Anniversary of Superstorm Sandy. Short speeches were done after the service in the church instead. Some parishioner came in Halloween costume because of the upcoming holiday. Peter Ackerman

Sandy memorial Mass at the rebuilt St. Elisabeth's Chapel in Ortley Beach, which was supposed to be followed by a ceremony on the beach at the site where Sandy did some of the worst damage on the Shore. The beach ceremony was cancelled due to the nor'easter that hit on the Fifth Anniversary of Superstorm Sandy. Short speeches were done after the service in the church instead. Some parishioner came in Halloween costume because of the upcoming holiday. Peter Ackerman

Sandy memorial Mass at the rebuilt St. Elisabeth's Chapel in Ortley Beach, which was supposed to be followed by a ceremony on the beach at the site where Sandy did some of the worst damage on the Shore. The beach ceremony was cancelled due to the nor'easter that hit on the Fifth Anniversary of Superstorm Sandy. Short speeches were done after the service in the church instead. Some parishioner came in Halloween costume because of the upcoming holiday. Peter Ackerman